All untenured faculty in their first, second, or third year at Illinois State are invited to attend.  The monthly sessions will provide new faculty with a wealth of information about the tenure and promotion system, how to maximize their ability to publish research, how to acquire the kinds of credentials that will position them as leaders in their fields and as viable candidates for tenure, how to balance research and teaching obligations, and a range of other valuable information and strategies. “Give us an hour or two of your time once a month,” said Dean Gary Olson, “and I can guarantee that by the end of the year your chances not only of succeeding but of thriving will be substantially increased.”

The new program is a complement to the mentoring programs that some of the departments already sponsor for their faculties.  The College program will concentrate on the meta-level skills and knowledge that will help ensure success in the profession and here at Illinois State, while the departmental programs generally supply crucial disciplinary knowledge and an understanding of departmental policies and procedures.

The program will be conducted by Dean Olson and Associate Dean Sam Catanzaro, and several guest speakers are planned for future sessions.  “The key to this program is that we will share with faculty some valuable strategies for enhancing their productivity while providing a space for facilitating their sense of intellectual and social connection with their colleagues across the college,” said Associate Dean Catanzaro.

Future sessions this semester will be held from 3:30 to 5:00 on October 26 and December 3.  A wine and cheese reception will follow each session. “Too often, institutions hire exceptional faculty but then fail to provide the knowledge and support that will help them succeed,” said Dean Olson. “I promise you that that will not happen in this college."